Why is my dog shaking her head and has a drooping ear? Is it serious?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever | Female | spayed | 1 year and 11 months old | 35 lbs
My dog (Nova Scotia Duck Toller) has a drooping ear and shaking her head (not in excess but enough to notice something is bothering her) but not pawing at it very often. She has no residue/drainage/smell/redness or any abnormal traits aside from the droop and shake. Just started yesterday and I’m with her 24/7 so I’m not missing any details so far. Her behavior and appetite are all as normal as ever. Am I overreacting or could something be troubling her?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 28th, 2020
Yes, it sounds like something is bothering her. Dogs have very long ear canals so what you can see just by holding up the ear flap and looking down there is not even 10% of the ear. It is best to take her to the vet so they can look down into the ear with an otoscope to see if there is something down there.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 18th, 2019
It sounds like your pets may be dealing with ear infections, which can be caused by bacterial, parasitic or fungal infection, or a combination of these, and can be associated with dietary or environmental allergies or sensitivities, immune system disorders, or a combination of the above. Buddy and your other dogs need to see a vet to have an ear swab done. Your vet can look at the sample under the microscope and treat appropriately based on what is found. Your vet will also need to examine the ear with a scope to see if the ear drum is intact, as some medications cannot be used safely if the eardrum is ruptured. Ear infections can be very painful, and can sometimes progress to include the middle or inner ear, where they can cause neurological signs or permanent hearing loss. Please book an appointment to have Buddy and your other dogs seen as soon as possible to help get them feeling better.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 12th, 2019
Poor Meda! The collapsing trachea and knee issue are likely genetic and are not uncommon in the breed. The ear could be a few things like a resistant infection, a foreign body stuck in the ear, a damaged ear drum, an infection behind the ear drum or she could have an underlying condition like an allergy or hypothyroidism that cause pets to be more susceptible to ear infections. Make sure that the vets have been able to see her ear drum and verify that nothing is stuck in the canal. This can be difficult in small dogs and some may require sedation. If the infection is not clearing up with appropriate medications, you may get an ear culture to check for antibiotic resistance. Some other these pets will go on an even have skull radiographs or an endoscopic exam to look behind the ear drum. Allergies can be determined with a food trial, a blood test or trial of medications for allergies. Thyroid conditions are diagnosed with a blood test. Sometimes this process is trial and error but eventually you can get it figured out. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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